Philosophy

Learning Goal: I’m working on a philosophy discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

QUESTION 1. REPLY TO DANIEL

I think the term “greedy” has an overwhelmingly negative connotation and for good reason. After all greed is one of the seven deadly sins for a reason. Just look at Bernie Madoff ruining lives solely for his own benefit, and greed has everything to do with it. However, I do think there are circumstances when greed is good, America has been built into the largest economy in the history of the world as a result of capitalism and, while there are ample opportunities for bad greed, there are just as many chances for good. Greed can be good for business owners, produces, or anyone because it motivates people to strive for better things. Greed is the driving force of the economic world, and if everyone had the same financial, social, and political status, no one would care to strive for a better life. But there is a fine line people walk on when you are dealing with money on larger scales. Corruption and greed do seem to go hand and hand when we start talking about large sums of wealth and one of the purposes of the government is to protect both individuals and society from such corruption, and that means protecting people and institutions from greedy predators.

QUESTION 2. REPLY TO JACOB

After watching the videos, I do have a bit different of an opinion on greed than I did before. Prior to the videos I thought that greed was bad but it was necessary, I still believe that greed is necessary to some extent, but I also believe that there are different types of greed. It depends on the reasons and factors driving your greed. If you are greedy so that you can grow your company and provide good jobs and quality products or services, then greed can be good. If you are greedy simply to improve your lifestyle without any regard for others, then this is the wrong type of greed.

I think that greed plays an important role in creating economic prosperity. Greed is the driving force to pursue economic prosperity in many cases. Greed makes you always want more, so it develops a level of passion and drive to pursue economic prosperity.

I do believe that at some point government does have a role in “protecting” us from greed. At some points corporate greed becomes too excessive and oversteps the boundaries of not only ethics but common courtesy. Times when companies are price gouging and profiteering are some examples when government can step in to protect us from greed.

QUESTION 3- WATCH VIDEO AND ANSWER QUESTIONS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0VHiONkot8

.After watching the videos on Greed in our Week 2 class folder please answer the following questions:

• Do you think of “greed” differently after watching the video? If so, how so? If not, why not?
• Does “greed” play an important role in creating economic prosperity?
• Does government have a role to play in “protecting” us from “greed?